Letter: Homer Tapin Tribute was huge success

Wednesday

May 16, 2007 at 12:01 AMMay 16, 2007 at 4:19 PM

On behalf of the directors of the Georgetown Historical Society, the Peabody Library Board of Trustees, the Town of Georgetown and the Tapin family, we want to thank the many organizations and friends of Homer Tapin that came together on Sunday, May 6 at the VFW hall to honor a man (age 91) who has made such a significant difference in the lives of so many residents and in Georgetown’s history. Many members of the community stepped forward to make this event possible, as there were over 120 people in attendance.

To the editor:On behalf of the directors of the Georgetown Historical Society, the Peabody Library Board of Trustees, the Town of Georgetown and the Tapin family, we want to thank the many organizations and friends of Homer Tapin that came together on Sunday, May 6 at the VFW hall to honor a man (age 91) who has made such a significant difference in the lives of so many residents and in Georgetown’s history. Many members of the community stepped forward to make this event possible, as there were over 120 people in attendance.

We would like to give a special thanks to the following organizations and individuals who gave of their time and made presentations and awards to Mr. Tapin.

The chairman of the Georgetown Board of Selectmen, Richie Clough, read a proclamation from the town, and a special citation was presented by Sen. Bruce Tarr from the Massachusetts Senate in recognition of Mr. Tapin’s contribution to the community.

Mr. Terry Hart, president of the Georgetown Historical Society, spoke of Mr. Tapin’s involvement in the Historical Society over the past 44 years and he announced that an annual scholarship to a Georgetown student has been set up in his name at this time. Homer was also awarded the three medals he earned while serving in the Navy at Pearl Harbor in WWII. Steve Keene reflected on some early Historical Society stories involving Homer Tapin.

The Peabody Library Board of Trustees had former Library Trustees Pat Skeirik and Jane Field speak on their behalf, and current Board of Trustees member Laura Zalewski presented Mr. Tapin with an engraved plaque that will be on display at our new library recognizing his 30 years of service.

Rev. Eric Marean, minister of the First Congregational Church, recognized Mr. Tapin for his 50 years of active membership and presented Mr. Tapin with a gift.

Mr. Tom O’Shaughnessy, grand master of the Charles C. Dame Masonic Lodge, presented Mr. Tapin with an honorary award for his 70 years of service.

Mr. Ed Desjardins, former chairman of Georgetown’s Bicentennial Commission, 1975–76, spoke of Homer’s input while on the commission and of the many events that took place in 1976 for the Nation’s 200th anniversary.

Richard Spencer, former police chief and a Trustee of the Georgetown Savings Bank, spoke on behalf of the bank trustees and recognized Homer Tapin for his 37 years he served in that position.

Arrangements for the huge assortment of food and beverages were organized by Nancy and Donna Clough with donations from the First Congregational Church, Georgetown Historical Society and Friends of the Library and trustees. Assistants in the food arrangements included Beverly Knapp, Jeannette Laing and others.

Decorative balloons at the tables were provided by Kay Ogden of Kay’s Interiors and flower arrangements were donated by the Georgetown Garden Club, Nancy Zapf.

The newspaper coverage leading up to the event has been outstanding with the Newburyport Daily News, Georgetown Record, Town Crossing, Eagle Tribune and The Boston Globe North providing information. Thanks also to Nick Bruno and Chris Southwick for their television coverage on Channel 9.

Thanks to the many caring people in our community that this was made possible, and his friends and neighbors can see that Homer Tapin has certainly made an impact in our town.